top ten ways do not become a victim in the world - thiago pinto version 003

Top Ten Ways to Not Become a Victim of Crime

Around the World

Studied organized and presented byThiago Bergo

Corporate Security Regional ManagerSouth America

Part I – Special Warning about Terrorism; Part II – Overview about The World's Most

Dangerous Destinations; Part III – Special Warning about The Passport

Fraud; Part IV – Special Warning about Drug Offenses

Abroad; Part V – Special Warning about Young Person

Risk Murder Abroad; Part VI – Ten Points Foreigners Travelers should

adhere to when exploring the globe.

Guidelines

Special Warning about Terrorism

Part I

• Terrorist acts occur unpredictably, making it impossible to protect yourself absolutely. The first and best protection is to avoid travel to areas where there has been a persistent record of terrorist attacks or kidnappings.

• Most terrorist attacks are the result of careful planning. Just as a car thief will first be attracted to an unlocked car with the key in the ignition, terrorists are looking for the most accessible targets. The chances that a tourist, traveling with an unpublished program or itinerary, would be the victim of terrorism are slight. In addition, many terrorist groups, seeking publicity for political causes within their own country or region, may not be looking for American targets.

• Nevertheless, the following pointers may help you avoid becoming a target of opportunity. These precautions may provide some degree of protection, and can serve as practical and psychological deterrents to would-be terrorists.

Special Warning About Terrorism

• As much as possible, avoid luggage tags, dress and behavior that may draw attention to yourself.

• Keep an eye out for abandoned packages or briefcases, or other suspicious items. Report them to airport authorities and leave the area promptly.

• Avoid obvious terrorist targets, such as places where Westerners are known to congregate.

• Watch for people following you or "loiterers" observing your comings and goings.

• Report any suspicious activity to local police, and the nearest country embassy or consulate.

• Keep a mental note of safe havens, such as police stations, hotels, and hospitals. Formulate a plan of action for what you will do if a bomb explodes or there is gunfire nearby.


• Select your own taxicabs at random. Don't take a vehicle that is not clearly identified as a taxi. Compare the face of the driver with the one on his or her posted license. If possible, travel with others.

• Be sure of the identity of visitors before opening the door of your hotel room. Don't meet strangers at your hotel room, or at unknown or remote locations.

• Refuse unexpected packages. • Check for loose wires or other suspicious activity around your

car. • Be sure your vehicle is in good operating condition.


Schedule direct flights if possible, and avoid stops in high-risk airports or areas. Be cautious about what you discuss with strangers or what others may overhear. Try to minimize the time spent in the public area of an airport, which is a less

protected area. Move quickly from the check-in counter to the secured areas. Upon arrival, leave the airport as soon as possible.

Drive with car windows closed in crowded streets. Bombs can be thrown through open windows.

If you are ever in a situation where somebody starts shooting, drop to the floor or get down as low as possible. Don't move until you are sure the danger has passed. Do not attempt to help rescuers and do not pick up a weapon. If possible, shield yourself behind a solid object. If you must move, crawl on your stomach.


Overview about The World's Most Dangerous Destinations

Part II

To come up with the world’s most dangerous countries, we asked consultancies on the Internet Basis which provide us with their watch lists. Some Security Agencies & Consultancies assigns countries a rating of one to five, with five being the most dangerous.

Some Consultancies assesses countries for overall security, terrorism and travel risks and rates each category on a five-point scale. “Extreme” and “high” are the first-most and second-most dangerous ratings.

The World's Most Dangerous Destinations


• Level Risk 5: Extreme security and travel risk

• The U.S. doesn't have an embassy in Somalia, putting American citizens who travel there out of reach of U.S. assistance. Somalia's federal government recently retook control of much of the country from the Union of Islamic Courts, but this could mean less stability ahead, not more. Interclan fighting and attacks on foreigners are frequent, as are abductions.

Somalia


• Level Risk 5: High security and travel risk

• There is no effective police force in Haiti, where the State Department calls the danger of kidnappings “chronic and growing.” General elections in February 2006 brought about some political stability, aided by the presence of 8,000 U.N. peacekeeping troops. But violence persists, says Control Risks, thanks in part to the proliferation of firearms, an inefficient judiciary and police corruption.

Haiti


• Level Risk 5: Extreme security, terrorism and travel risk

• No region of Iraq is safe for visitors, not even Baghdad’s well-fortified Green Zone. The U.S.-led occupation has not tamed the insurgency, which is most concentrated in the central region that stretches from Tikrit in the north to Hillah in the south. Various criminal gangs and international terrorists are also active in Iraq and civilians die daily in attacks.

• The security situation in Iraq remains highly volatile, and the Foreign Office advises against all travel to Baghdad as well as a number of provinces, including Basra and Kirkuk. There is a continuing high threat of terrorism throughout the country, including the threat of kidnapping of foreign nationals.

Iraq

The World's Most Dangerous Destinations Afghanistan • Level Risk 5: Extreme security, terrorism and

travel risk• Travelers face the ongoing threat of kidnapping

and assassination in Afghanistan, especially outside of Kabul. Former Taliban and al-Qaida operatives remain at large, and attacks with improvised explosive devices are on the rise. Large areas of the country are heavily land-mined or strewn with unexploded ordnance.

• Afghanistan has a high threat of terrorism, with a strong risk of kidnap, violent crime and suicide attacks across the country. The Foreign Office from UK strongly advises against all but essential travel to Kabul, adding that “no part of Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts”.

Level Risk 5: Extreme security, terrorism and travel risk

The Foreign Offices advises against all travel to Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan because of the security situation in the North Caucasus. Rebel fighters in Chechnya issued a warning to tourists not to visit Kabardino-Balkaria.

There is more Russian Mafia in this place than police. This city is not run by government officials, but by gangsters. A Russian is murdered here every 20 minutes. That’s almost 85 murders a day. Sure there is 100's of millions of people in Russia, but that’s an astonishing stat. Prostitution and drug trafficking run by the Russian crime syndicate or definitely real in this place. Kidnappings and rapes, just to name a handful of tests you will face when you visit here. Chechnya is absolutely a third world city. Foreigners should think twice before visiting here.

The World's Most Dangerous Destinations Chechnya


• Level Risk 5: High risk in at least one category and region

• Hostilities with Israel ended last August, but political tensions within Lebanon have been on the rise. The armed Shiite group Hezbollah (also a political party in Lebanon) maintains a strong presence in many areas, and other extremist groups are active in Tripoli, Sidon and Palestinian refugee camps.

• In the south, the danger of encountering land mines and unexploded ordnance is significant.

Lebanon

The World's Most Dangerous Destinations Democratic Republic of Congo

• Level Risk 5: High security and travel risk; extreme security and travel risk in northeast

• The civil war has ended and the country held presidential elections last year, but dangers persist. Crime levels are high in the main cities, and strife continues in certain regions, especially the northeastern Ituri district and the provinces of North and South Kivu. U.N. observer forces, located around the country, are unable to prevent pillaging, carjacking, murders, rapes and kidnappings.

The World's Most Dangerous Destinations • Level Risk 5: High security and

travel risk; extreme security and travel risk in rebel-held north and near western border

• Though a 2002 uprising supposedly ended in 2003, the north of the country remains under the control of armed rebels, and sporadic fighting has taken place in Abidjan, the commercial capital.

• The overall security situation remains potentially volatile, according to the State Department. They says that the rebellion exacerbated a rise in violent crime, including carjacking and armed robbery.

Côte d’Ivoire

Level Risk 5: High risk in at least one category and region

There is a very high risk of kidnapping and armed robbery in the Niger Delta area. Forty one British nationals and more than 200 other foreign nationals have been kidnapped in the region since January 2006. One British national has been killed in this period, and the most recent kidnap was of one British national in Akwa Ibom State on October 9. There is a general threat of terrorism in Nigeria, and violent crime is prevalent in the south, including Lagos.




• Another new addition to our list, Chad is experiencing both tensions between the government and rebel groups, and interethnic fighting in the east, where the country borders the Darfur region of Sudan. The U.S. State Department reports an increase in the amount of highway banditry across the country and some harassment of American citizens at government roadway checkpoints.

Chad

The World's Most Dangerous Destinations • Level Risk 5: High risk in at least one

category and region• In the summer of 2003, Liberia's 14-year civil

war was brought to a close with a peacekeeping agreement and the exile of Charles Taylor, the former president. But there are still some 15,000 U.N. peacekeepers stationed throughout the country. Crime is a major problem, with theft, sexual assault and murder common.

Liberia



• The western region of Darfur remains the most dangerous part of the country for locals and foreigners alike, with ongoing violence between government-backed militias, government troops and local insurgent groups. Large areas of the south, however, also see fighting between local militias. Sporadic terrorist attacks in Sudan have been aimed at U.S. and Western targets, and kidnappings are common.

• The threat from indiscriminate terrorism is high in Sudan and the humanitarian situation remains grim – more than two million people have been displaced by fighting in Darfur. Banditry is widespread in Darfur, especially in rural areas at night. The Foreign Office advises against all travel to a number of areas, including the Eritrean border.

Sudan

The World's Most Dangerous Destinations • Level Risk 4: High security and terrorism risk; extreme

security and travel risk in tribal areas bordering Afghanistan

• Domestic Islamic extremist groups, most of which are tied to al-Qaida, pose a serious risk to foreign companies and their workers. Car bombs, gun and grenade attacks and suicide bombings are aimed at Western targets, domestic politicians and local religious minorities and have frequently killed civilians. The capital, Islamabad, and tribal areas bordering Afghanistan are particularly dangerous.

• There is a high threat of terrorism and sectarian violence throughout the country, and the Foreign Office advises against all travel to areas where there are reports of “military or militant activity”. There are regular suicide bombings and attacks on positions of authority and locations frequented by foreign nationals – in September this year a major explosion destroyed the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, killing more than 50 people and injuring more than 250.

Pakistan

The World's Most Dangerous Destinations • Level Risk 4: High security and travel risk; extreme security

and travel risk in provinces of Cibitoke, Bubanza and Bujumbura Rural

• Those provinces are considered high-risk areas as a result of the presence of FNL rebels and the sporadic clashes between the militants and government troops. The two provinces also share borders with Congo (DRC) where cross-border incursions by guerrilla groups from either groups continue to occur. There is also a risk of kidnapping.

• Peripheral suburbs of Bujumbura• It is advisable to avoid all but business-critical travel to the

provinces of Cibitoke and Bubanza, as well as the suburbs of Bujumbura. If travel is essential, high-level security arrangements and possibly an army escort should accompany travelers.

• Bujumbura Rural province: EXTREME RISK LEVEL• The incidence of banditry and politically motivated attacks on

the security forces by gunmen believed to be former FNL rebels in Bujumbura Rural contribute to the province's Extreme risk rating. Only essential travel to Bujumbura Rural should be undertaken, during daylight hours and with high-level security co-ordination. An army escort may be necessary in some areas.

Burundi

• Level Risk 4: Extreme security and travel risk and a high terrorism risk in Tamil-majority north and east;

• While foreigners are not directly targeted, the risk of becoming collateral damage is rising in the north and northeast.

• Travel risks in Eastern province remain high despite the fact government forces retook control of the region from the separatist guerrilla Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2007. Despite the military defeat of the LTTE, underlying issues in the province, such as ethnic tension, kidnapping, organized crime and rivalries between LTTE factions, still pose a risk to foreigners. The threat of sporadic clashes between security forces and remnants of the LTTE remains, but travel to Eastern province is possible with stringent security precautions and professional planning. A secure escort may be required in some areas. Trincomalee is generally safer than the districts of Ampara and Batticaloa.

• Northern province: HIGH

Sri Lanka


Mexico

The World's Most Dangerous Destinations RISK ZONES US border states (Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León and Tamaulipas), Sinaloa and Guerrero: HIGH An overwhelming majority of fatalities linked to the continuing conflict with the cartels have occurred in the border city of Ciudad Juarez (Chihuahua). 36% of the drug trafficking-related deaths in Mexico's drugs war from 2006-2010 was attributed to this conflict centered in Ciudad Juárez (Chihuahua). However, similar violence has increased across the state in recent months, including in its eponymous capital. Similarly, while violent incidents in Tamaulipas had previously been almost exclusively limited to the US border cities of Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa and Matamoros, recent cartel activity, including car bombings in the state capital Ciudad Victoria, as well as multiple shoot-outs in Tampico, resulted in large security force deployments to these areas.Although the latter remains less affected by such incidents than other cities rated HIGH risk and is expected to remain so, public shoot-outs and so-called 'narco-blockades', whereby streets or even entire neighborhoods are blocked by drug traffickers to allow them to carry out attacks uninterrupted by the security forces, have occurred in the city. Such blockades can be erected during daylight hours and result in significant travel disruption on major roads.

Baja California, Sinaloa, Sonora and Coahuila are all affected by violence linked to inter-cartel struggles for control of key thoroughfares that connect major urban areas south to north, and ultimately to the US border; such roads are highly prized key-trafficking routes. In Baja California, cartel activity tends to spread southwards from the state's border cities of Tijuana, Tecate and Mexicali on the US frontier. Violent incidents increasingly also take place in the city of Ensenada, south of Tijuana.

Violence in Sonora is primarily concentrated in the border town of Heróica Nogales, its proximity to the state of Chihuahua to the east and Sinaloa to the south – arguably the most violent states in the country – make it a strategic point for the passage of drugs, weapons and cartel members. The roads that connect Sonora to these states have seen frequent clashes.

Hot spots for cartel activity in Coahuila are the northern parts of the state, in the cities of Ciudad Acuña and Piedras Negras. However, that it shares a frontier with Chihuahua means Coahuila has seen some spillover violence. The city of Torreón, near its south-western border with the state of Durango, has emerged as one of the most violent in the state with rampant corruption among the security forces.

The World's Most Dangerous Destinations RISK ZONES Drug’s war near North Borders of Mexico

ColombiaRISK ZONES Cali, remote rural areas: HIGHA violent city with high crime rates; most crime occurs in the poorer neighborhoods bordering the Río Cali.Remote rural areasTravel in the rural areas of Colombia is considered dangerous and it is advisable to avoid venturing out of the major cities. Travel between major cities should be by air exclusively. The risk of kidnap is highest in rural areas, and travelers should avoid overland travel between the major cities, especially at night. Unless they have an overriding, business-critical reason, personnel should not consider travel to areas of high guerrilla activity, including south-west Antioquia department, most of Arauca department and rural areas of Caquetá, Huila, Nariño and Putumayo departments. Guerrilla units are mostly active in rural areas, where they frequently carry out attacks on the security forces and on key infrastructure.The security situation has improved in recent years, although there remains a risk of kidnapping and terrorism in many parts of the country, particularly rural areas. There is also the threat of land mines; almost 400 people have been killed by land mines this year. Organized crime and drug trafficking remain serious problems and areas of large-scale coca production should be avoided.


Venezuela

The World's Most Dangerous Destinations RISK ZONES Caracas: HIGH

• Caracas is plagued by petty and violent crime, including kidnappings. Foreign travelers have increasingly been robbed and/or assaulted by criminals in and around crowded bus and subway stations in downtown Caracas and other busy areas of the city. Subway escalators are a common site for robberies. Crime is especially high in the city's barrios (slums), which travelers should avoid. At Simón Bolívar International Airport, foreign travelers have been robbed in parking lots or while waiting in check-in and taxi queues. Traveler's should exercise caution during their stay in Caracas.

• Colombian border areas: HIGH• Terrorist groups and drug cartel gangs are known

to operate in the border area. Kidnap-for-ransom is a serious concern in the border region with Colombia.

Caracas in Latin America is by far the most dangerous place in the world. If you searched dangerous places on the internet, you would find at least 20 South American countries on the list. With drug cartels, and poverty, Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, ranks the highest for murder and crime in the world. Per 100,000 people this city has the highest rate of murders, kidnappings, and rapes in 2009. 130 murders and 537 reported kidnappings. They have nicknamed the city the “murder capital of the world”. Not to mention Venezuela is the world leader in drug trafficking mainly cocaine. The country has increased its poverty level since the 1970's 300%. In In the last 5 yrs. Caracas has topped the list for homicides by population.


Special Warning about The Passport FraudPart III

Passport fraud is attempted by Brazilian citizens and non-citizens for a variety of criminal purposes – money laundering, narcotics trafficking, illegal entry into the other countries, terrorism, etc. In processing lost/stolen passport cases, the Federal Police Department from Brazil must take special precautions that may delay the issuance of a new, full validity passport. If you suspect a Brazilian passport is being used fraudulently, do not hesitate to contact the nearest Brazilian Federal Police or Brazilian embassy or consulate or once outside country, the nearest Passport Agency.

Special Warning About Passaport Fraud

The frequency of attacks on individuals using automatic cashier machines (ATMs) and attacks on the machines themselves continues to be as acceptable level as major city statistics. Avoid be using ATM during night and in empty places.

In light of these attacks, State Military Police authorities have released security guidance for using ATMs, including not using the ATM if it appears damaged or if the screen is blank, reporting the ATM if suspicious items are protruding from the machine and not continuing the use of the ATM if the initial transaction fails to process correctly.

Individuals should also take other basic security precautions when using ATMs, including not using machines in poorly lit or isolated areas and standing close to the machine to block the PIN code from being seen by criminals.

ATM – Cashier Machine Precautions

Be always with your eyes in your Credit Card when it will accomplish payments of products and services, in stores, restaurants, gas stations and hotels and see how and where the Card is used. The “electronic/magnetic fraudulent copy” of Credit Cards has been a phenomenon in growth in the whole world and a lot of times, a better attention on the part of the owner of the card, are enough to avoid future problems. Please, we recommend to you always preventive attitude with your card.

Credit Card Fraud Alert

Special Warning about Drug Offenses AbroadPart IV

Every year, several hundred foreigners are arrested abroad on drug charges. Persons caught with illegal drugs in a foreign country are subject to the drug laws of that country, not those of the Brazil; as always, ignorance of the law is no excuse. In many countries, the burden of proof is on the accused to show that he or she is innocent of the charges.

Some foreigners take advantage of an offer of an all-expenses-paid vacation abroad in exchange for carrying a small package in the luggage. When, to their surprise, they are caught, the fact that they did not know that there were drugs in that package will not reduce the charges against them.

Every aspect of a drug arrest abroad can be different from your country practice. For instance: see next slide.

Special Warning about Drug Offenses Abroad

Few countries provide a jury trial; Many countries do not permit pre-trial release on bail; Pre-trial detention, often in solitary confinement, can last

several months; Prisons may lack even minimal comforts, such as beds,

toilets, and washbasins; Diets are often inadequate and require supplements from

relatives and friends; Officials may not speak English; Physical abuse, confiscation of property, degrading

treatment and extortion are possible; Persons convicted may face sentences ranging from fines

and jail time, to years of hard labor, and even the death penalty;

Penalties for drug possession and for drug trafficking are often the same abroad, so possession of one ounce of marijuana could result in years in a foreign jail;

As with any arrest of a foreigner citizen abroad, consular officers perform a variety of services.

Special Warning about Drug Offenses Abroad

Special Warning about Young Person Risk Murder Abroad

Part V

Latin America has the highest murder rates in the world for people aged between 15 and 24, according to a study by a Brazilian research group.

Using data from 83 countries, the study indicates that the probability of a young person being murdered in Latin America is 30 times higher than in Europe.

The grimmest figures are for El Salvador, where the murder rate among young people is 92 per 100,000 people. A key factor there is the presence of violent youth gangs.

The Brasilia-based group compared murder rates for 2007 in 83 countries, both for the overall population and for the 15-to-24 age bracket.

"The probability of a young Latin American being a murder victim is 30 times higher than for a European, and more than 70 times greater than for young people in countries like Greece, Hungary, England, Austria... or Ireland," the studies said.


The comparative study found that the murder rate for young people was 36.6 for every 100,000 people in Latin America while in Africa it was 16.1, North America 12, Asia 2.4, Oceania 1.6 and Europe 1.2, although there are variations within a particular region.

The report also indicates the top four countries for youth murder rates also headed the overall murder rate table: El Salvador (total murders per 100,000 - 48.8), Colombia (43.8), Venezuela (29.5) and Guatemala (28.5).

Brazil occupies fifth place for youth murders and sixth for the overall murder rate at 25.2.

The lowest youth murder rates in Latin America were in Chile, Cuba and Uruguay, all with around seven killings per 100,000.

The report notes that as well as El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala have also seen what it calls "drastic" increases in murder rates.

Part of this is due to the presence of youth gangs, known as maras , which are prevalent in Central America.

The study says the region also has a long history of armed internal and external conflict.


Ten Points Foreigners Travelers should adhere to when exploring the globe

Part VI

There is a popular myth that traveling abroad is safer than being in your country. This is simply false. Although violent crime is clearly prevalent, we believe that most of the “seven more rich countries on the entire world” has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the world. Each country, region, and city abroad has its areas and ways that are more safe or less safe than the part of the rich country where you live or come from.

While crime can be a reality in every country, in many parts of the developing world, travel overseas introduces to you to new types of risk. As a rule, people are more likely to be targeted by criminals when they are in unfamiliar surroundings and unskilled at interpreting events around them. For foreigners with limited international travel experience, many parts of the world represent just this kind of environment. Exacerbating the incidence of crime against travelers is the poverty in many countries that fuels robbery and theft.

Introduction


• Don't be an obvious foreigner.

• Leave jewelry at home.

• Keep copies of your passport and hide the original.

• Listen to your gut.

• Learn where your embassy or consulate offices are located.

Read local English-language newspapers, if possible.

Avoid unexpectedly amorous men and women.

Become aware of real security threats.

Avoid known hotspots.

Control the things you can control and don't panic.

Don't be an obvious foreigner. In many parts of the developing world, you'll stand out no matter what you do, but

make an effort to blend in as much as you can and respect local norms. The standard advice applies: T-shirts with corporate logos or flashy clothes are better left at home. Loud or boisterous behavior also advertises your presence in a negative way. Be a careful observer before you jump into the game.


Leave jewelry at home Robert Young Pelton, author of The World’s Most Dangerous Places, captures

perceptions of Westerners in the developing world this way: “as obvious as a naked man with hundred-dollar bills taped to his body.” Wear local, inexpensive jewelry if you must look beautiful.


Keep copies of your passport and hide the original.

Carry three copies of your passport; keep two in separate areas of your baggage, and carry one on your body. Put the original in the safest place you can find, which will depend upon your living and traveling arrangements. Passports are the hottest commodities in the world, and yours is game for a clever pickpocket.


Listen to your gut Never ignore your sixth sense. When you get alarmed or spooked, there is

probably a good reason for it. Stop and calmly think for a few seconds: observe and assess the situation around you and decide what your options are for getting to a safer place. Then make a decision and act.


Learn where your embassy or consulate offices are located It’s always a good idea to check in with your country’s embassy when

you’re staying in a foreign country, particularly one with a less-developed communications system. As soon as you arrive, look at a map and orient yourself so you can find your country’s consular offices. Learn two or three different routes for getting there, as well as the best transportation methods, and stop by! Ask to speak to the Regional Security Officer and get a crime fact sheet for the area. They are there to help.


Read local English-language newspapers, if possible Local citizens and expatriates who write these papers can be some of

the best sources of information about the local scene (although be aware that in some countries, the media are under government control—find out before you depart on your trip).


Avoid unexpectedly amorous men and women Attractive as you may be, be wary of people who approach and try to

woo you the moment you arrive. Most of the time the real motive is gaining a foreign passport or your wallet, or taking you to a gift shop where you’ll be pressured to buy. As one saying goes, you’re perceived as the cash cow, and everyone wants a little milk. Listen to what your mother told you when you were 15—it still applies.


Become aware of real security threats Before you ever set foot out of your home, you should do some research. What is the political climate in the country you’ll be visiting? Have there been recent demonstrations against the government? Might there be groups who have expressed strong anti-your nationality sentiment due to

political or economic developments? Most countries have some type of English-language media outlets on the Internet that

publish local news; wire services such as AP and Reuters often cover such developments (check their archives); and political & security risk consulting companies often publish some of their assessments online for free. Check them out.

The point is not to engender fear or find reasons not to go on your adventure. It is simply better to enter a foreign country with your eyes open.


Become aware of real security threats For example, Americans traveling to Iran will probably experience magnificent

hospitality from Iranians, but sudden turns in political events might increase tensions (also for Iranians, of course—not just tourists) and make travel less pleasant.

Be aware and be prepared. In some places it might take keen eyes and ears to detect rumblings of civil unrest that can increase dangers to foreign visitors; in other cases the signs are clear and simply need to be heeded.

Not only will a heightened awareness of the political environment shorten your response time to potential warning signs, but gaining an education in local or national politics will demonstrate to those you meet that you have a greater depth of interest in your host country than sampling the local pastries.


Avoid known hotspots This, of course, follows directly from #3: countries and regions that have

experienced severe levels of conflict and violence are probably best left off your travel-abroad itinerary for the immediate future.

Places that the any Government State advises against travel by foreigners citizens and places that your company doesn’t consider safe or to have appropriate support services—these are places that should have dropped off your travel radar in recent years.

Use the advice from your local security experts, other friends living abroad and travel safety experts. Consider the level of risk you are assuming. Others may have reported no problems during travel to the same location, but you want to avoid relying on luck to ensure your safety.


Control the things you can control and don't panic Choose a place to go and a program provider that can provide you with

comprehensive support services abroad. Before you go abroad, learn about the country and in particular the health and safety support mechanisms.

Take with you, soon as possible, an emergency card with a list of contact information for a 24 Hour Contact, Health/Insurance/Security Assistant & Support.

Try to learn about the destination local Medical Care Facility, local Police Department, local Country Embassy or Consulate and try to obtain contact information.

Also, bring a list of help statements translated into the local language.


Control the things you can control and don't panic Don’t take unnecessary risks: This includes limiting unsafe activities like bungee

jumping, river rafting, and mountain climbing. Don’t get intoxicated by using alcohol or drugs that will limit your control over yourself and your interactions with others.

Once you plan to go out for an adventure, try to have others travel or explore with you so that if something happens to you, they can assist to avoid or respond to an emergency.

Do not forget your emergency numbers.


Emergency Numbers Insurance Company?Travel Company?Family Member?Embassy?Consulate ?Industry friends?

Names?Area Code?Checklist on paper?Address?Where to put those contacts ?Update?

Register in your country destination Consulate soon as possible. They can better assist you in an emergency.

Sign passport, and fill in the emergency information. Leave copies of itinerary and passport data page. Check your overseas medical insurance coverage. Familiarize yourself with local conditions and laws. Take precautions to avoid being a target of crime. Once traveling inside any country, have with you, all the

times, your emergency phone contacts. Facing an emergency situation call your best Security Advisor or call directly your Insurance Company headquarters.

Resume

Things happen in the world, some good and some bad. While your travels overseas are likely to create some of the most valuable and positive experiences of your life, maintain a common-sense expectation that things may not always go as planned, and react as calmly as possible if they do not.

In a crisis situation, panicking only leads to more confusion and potentially poor decisions. Think carefully and watch cautiously everything around you.

Conclusion

ContactThiago L. Bergo PintoBrazil and South America Security SpecialistRegional Security Manager, Central & South America

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

top ten ways do not become a victim in the world - thiago pinto version 003

Documents